Policy Governance, developed by John Carver, is a cutting edge operating system for Boards of Directors. It focuses on helping the board be accountable to the owners and CEO being accountable to the board. The only complete system of governance known in the world today, Policy Governance offers a rational framework that allows for effective and efficient governing.

Understanding more about governance and board work

This section is designed to give you an overview of the nature of board work and governance in general. If you are trying to understand why boards exist, how they add value, and wish to gain different perspectives on how boards do their work, this section is for you. It offers general knowledge rather than focusing on just Policy Governance. Please explore!

The board's role: Hire a chief executive

In preparation for a new hire, the board should review the mission and strategic plan.
It should take an honest look at the strengths and weaknesses of the organization, then prioritize goals for the CEO. Once that is done, the board will need to define the qualifications and criteria you desire in a CEO and prepare an accurate job description. Determine what the parameters need to be to create an adequate salary and other compensation.

For the first year of employment, it is helpful for the board to set clear objectives and expectations. It is also very helpful for the board to clarify distinctions between the board function and the CEO. If the board reaches in too deeply and micromanages the CEO in that first year, it may create a pattern that will not sustain the employment decision.

Make sure it’s clear that the exec is responsible to hire and manage staff without board interference.